In Constant Prayer

by Robert Benson, Phyllis Tickle (Editor)

What does it mean to pray without ceasing? Is it really that important to pray as the early Church did? In this installment of The Ancient Practices series, Robert Benson presents a structure for our lives where we can live in continued awareness of God’s presence and reality. A pattern for worship and prayer that is offered to God at specific times throughout the day, the daily office is meant to be prayed by all the faithful so the Church may be continuous and God’s work in this world may be sustained. Yet it is highly personal too―an anchor between the daily and the divine, the mundane and the marvelous. Says author Robert Benson, “At some point, high-minded discussion about our life of prayer has to work its way into the dailyness of our lives. At some point, we have to move from talking about prayer to saying our prayers so that the marvelous that is possible has a chance to appear.” In Constant Prayer is your gateway to deeper communion with God. Expect something new to unfold before you and within you while heeding this ancient call. The Ancient Practices There is a hunger in every human heart for connection, primitive and raw, to God. To satisfy it, many are beginning to explore traditional spiritual disciplines used for centuries . . . everything from fixed-hour prayer to fasting to sincere observance of the Sabbath. Compelling and readable, the Ancient Practices series is for every spiritual sojourner, for every Christian seeker who wants more.

Genres: Prayer, Spirituality, Christian, Nonfiction, Religion, Faith, Christianity

192 pages, Paperback

First published May 6, 2008

About the author

Robert Benson has written more than a dozen books about discovering the Holy in the midst of our everyday lives. He is a lifelong churchman, a graduate of the Academy for Spiritual Formation, a member of the Friends of Silence and of the Poor, and has been named a Living Spiritual Teacher by Spirituality and Practice. Benson lives and writes, pays attention and offers prayers at his home in Nashville, Tennessee.

Reviews

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful introduction for Protestants to praying the daily office. Robert Benson has a very personal, intimate style, not unlike Donald Miller. After visiting a monastery this past weekend, and struggling for the past 6-7 years to incorporate the daily office into my life, this was an encouragement to keep persevering in this tradition that dates back to Judaism. I also would like to try out the prayer books that Benson himself put together.

[Marty · Rating 3 out of 5]

An affable pep-talk on why it's good to say the Daily Office, but woefully lacking in practical guidance or context.

[Will · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not care for this book. It is fairly well written; but I disagree with the underlying premise of the book. In the opening pages of the book the author suggests that we can get God to answer more of our requests if we will follow a certain pattern of prayer. I believe this to be false. He even cites a certain woman by the name of Bettie who was known to receive more answers to prayers than other people because she followed this prescribed method. The method that Benson prescribes for obtaining God's favor is called the “daily office”. This method of praying is also known as the “liturgy of the hours”, “fixed hour prayer”, and the “divine office” among other names. Basically, this method of praying at specific times of the day is a return to the method of praying that the early Christian monks followed. Benson also maintains that we need to follow prayer patterns outlined in prayer books and repeat these prayers in a rote fashion. I also disagree with this notion because Jesus tells us in Matt 6:7 that “when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words” NKJV. All of this reminds me of my Catholic upbringing when I attended a parochial school. It was not until I accepted Jesus Christ and made Him the Lord of my life that I found true freedom of worshiping God in prayer.

(Note: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255)

[Corey Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another read for class! I enjoyed this work a whole lot because of Benson's conversational nature when writing. This read more like a blog than a book, which made chapters fairly digestible, while also including a lot of reflection around the history of the Daily Office, its practicality, and its potential.

I think what I enjoyed the most about this book is how Benson framed the Daily Office - the prayers that the community of God has been continually praying... the prayers that Jesus himself prayed in some way, shape, or form as a Jew.

Also included some tangible encouragements as to how to participate in the Daily Office, and nice starting points for the novice on the journey towards this type of prayer.

[Casey Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so great!
I can't wait to use it for a book study on prayer - and the importance of the Daily Office for patterning a life of prayer.
The writing is so accessible and light - while touching such a deeply important subject!

[Darren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Benson's writing style, in bits and pieces, really appeals to me. And I loved this book, with its focus on the importance of just praying the office regularly. Highly recommended.

[Sister Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an introduction to the whole concept of what we Catholics call the Liturgy of the Hours. Benson was brought up in the Nazarene tradition (he's now Episcopalian) and writes for a non-Catholic readership, but I suspect that many Catholics could profit from this beautifully written presentation. (It helps that Benson is a poet.)

Benson noted in an early chapter that on his morning drive to the store to pick up the papers he reads daily (hey, writers have to read!), he would pass several houses of worship. At that early hour, between 6:30 and 7:00 each morning, he noticed that the parking lots were busy as worshipers streamed back to their cars and went off to work. They were beginning the day with prayer as a community. He also noted that the houses of worship were: a mosque, a synagogue, and a Catholic Church. The churches of his own tradition were not the sites of such daily activity. But many Protestants are beginning to adopt the ancient prayer that Catholics and Orthodox Christians inherited from Judaism. And many Catholics are learning how to pray the Liturgy of the Hours, or are joining in morning prayer in their parish before daily Mass.

It never was supposed to be just for monks, deacons and priests: we are all supposed to be participating in the prayer that the Body of Christ (that would be us) offers to the Father. Believe it or not, for about a thousand years, everyone was expected to come to Church daily for morning prayer: it was part of being a believer! That started getting lost at the time of the Renaissance; the Reformation finished the job in many places. (I recall from reading that at least in Italy in the late 1800's, parishioners were expected on Sundays to attend not just the Mass, but also Evening Prayer in their local Church.)

Benson's book comes some years after he published a kind of introductory version of "fixed-hour" prayerbook. It offered first steps in what the ancient monks (and also Vatican II) spoke of as sanctifying the whole day. His book, and a similar one by Phyllis Tickle, enjoyed a really good distribution. What I think we are beginning to see in these years is a rediscovery of the value of what is called by many names: the Divine Office, the Breviary, Lauds and Vespers, fixed-time prayer. It would be an important renewal in Christian living: we seem to be one of the first generations of Christians who do not typically recollect ourselves two, three or the biblical seven times a day in prayer--not the "gimme" kind of prayer, but the prayer of simple praise. And in the Liturgy of the Hours, that praise does not have to depend on one's feelings of exaltation or gladness: the words of praise and thanks have been given to us right in the book of Psalms, which the Hours use as the primary prayer book.

[Sela · Rating 4 out of 5]

The church that I go to is very *NOT* liturgical, and it’s really the only church I’ve attended, so the whole idea of the daily office is brand new to me. This book did a good job explaining what it is and more importantly, why it should be an important part of our lives. What this book does not cover is the how and specifically what to pray during the daily office. The author makes sure to give resources that cover that material.

Each chapter has several stories from the author’s experience, seemingly unrelated to each other. In the latter part of each chapter, he draws them all together to prove the point of the chapter. I found this style of writing refreshing and easier to read than a lot of non-fiction books which hammer the point throughout the chapter with little stories tucked here and there. It made the points seem more personal and easier to internalize.

The author has a very good sense of humor, although it did take me a little bit to catch it. At first, I couldn’t tell when he was being serious and when he was being facetious. Once I caught on, however, I was laughing aloud and ended up reading large chunks out loud to explain to my husband what I was laughing about.

Reading this book in conjunction with doing B90 Days has really opened my eyes to the calling of God on me to rise earlier for the purpose of starting my day with Him. As I prayerfully attempt to do this more, I find my time multiplied and my heart more open to what he has for me each day.

After reading this book, I may or may not start praying the daily office, but at least I know what it is and why I might choose to do that in the future. I also have a good idea of where I would go next to find more information thanks to the appendices.

[LaDonna Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose this book specifically because of my bad attitude toward prayer. Now don’t get me wrong, I pray and I know there is great value in our prayers, but I simply do not / did not understand it. I don’t see the purpose in it. Why would God want us to pray? He knows and is in control of everything. What, really, is the purpose??? (Even after reading this book, I don’t have the answers to that.) So I chose this book so that I could learn about prayer. I didn’t get what I was expecting or hoping for. I got different and maybe better than that! I gained a huge appreciation for prayer.



I suppose in my life in the church I had heard about praying at specific times in the day. I would say that this ritual / routine was more something I attributed to the other religions – Muslims, and such – not Christian people. And yet, I see remnants of it – we have a devotional time when we wake up, we say grace at meals, we say bedtime prayers. This was my life growing up, though it’s not so much at this point in my life.



I loved how friendly the author’s writing is. I felt like we were just sitting and having a coffee and a conversation. I laughed. I sighed. I related to his honesty. I wish I’d taken more notes while I read this book. I guess I’ll have to read it again! I know I will get things I missed the first time. I know that after reading this book, I want to add some specific times of prayer to my life. I may not follow a specific set of prayers, but I will find what works for me, my kids, my life, and ultimately, my relationship with my God.



Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thanks to Book Sneeze for this opportunity!

[Cherie Clayton · Rating 4 out of 5]

“It should not come as a great surprise to you by now, but I love words….I love them for their power to move you to tears and to laughter, to action and to rest. I love their power to transform an argument into an agreement, a hope into a prayer, a moment into something holy”
–Robert Benson


That is exactly what Robert Benson’s words did to me as I read his book, In Constant Payer. This man, whom I have never met, has moved me to such curiosity about the Ancient Practice known as the Daily Office, also known as daily prayer. Through the labyrinth of words you will discover yourself getting lost within; Benson will take you through the hidden opening of his personal prayer life. He explains with such poetry and eloquence the art of the offices, the significance of such offices, and his fear, that like most fine arts, it can become lost.


I have never heard of the Daily Office until I read In Constant Prayer, and although I may never find myself practicing this style of liturgy, Benson has taken me on a journey of laughter, insight, and a realness that I have not seen in other writers. He quotes many biblical truths, however there were no references when he was mentioning scripture. Nonetheless, Benson has illuminated the truth that we are all called to a life of prayer, and the passion that he releases for the art of prayer has moved my soul to search for a deeper, more disciplined life of constant prayer.


I have received a complimentary copy of In Constant Prayer by Robert Benson from BookSneeze® as part of the bloggers program. The view and opinions are my own.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am pretty familiar with the practice of praying the Daily Office. I have read and prayed through (at various times) Phyllis Tickle's Divine Hours Trilogy; read Scot McKnight's Jesus Creed etc. However, it was actually Benson who introduced me to the practice several years ago in his astounding book, Living Prayer.

This volume, however, surpasses them all in terms of actually dealing with our EXCUSES. Benson is a poet and wordsmith extraordinaire. He is marvelous at telling wonderful stories, so he draws the reader in, only to find that the story is about YOU. He addresses our pitiful, whining selves when it comes to all the reasons we SAY we cannot pray the Offices: it's complicated; we have to be at work; no one ever told us; it's hard to get into a "rhythm;" what will others say and so on. Carefully but deliberately, the author knocks down these straw men one after another until we realize by the end of the book the one true fact: we are simply lazy and selfish.
Thankfully, the remedy is:
the Grace, Mercy and Justice all found at the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ and
we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us who will help us to pray.

An absolutely marvelous book and I highly recommend it to all those who want to pray, which ought to be all of us.

[Simon Risson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written and engaging book that invites the reader into deeper mystery. It is a personal book that invites the reader to travel a journey, to go beyond where one may have previously travelled in prayer. Robert Benson invites us into deeper community while recognising the decisions we need to make individually.
It has certainly stirred in me a growing desire in my conversation with God and with the community of faith.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Protestant loves the Liturgy of the hours. He loves the tradition from thousands of years before Christ. He loves the psalms. Loves how all praying this are united.

The purpose of this book is simple. We must persevere in prayer. People have prayed this for ever and today we need to step up and pray.

I’ve started and stopped praying this for years. Here I go again.

[Aaron Sandford · Rating 4 out of 5]

A poetic and mostly convincing (though I may have been predisposed to be convinced) case for the beauty and power of liturgical prayer. I would have been more satisfied with it if there were more answers to practical questions and guidance for those looking for ways to introduce more of this practice into their personal devotional life.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably the best intro to fixed hour prayer I've read. The author is self-effacing and familiar with the subject. Good stuff.

[Phil Aud · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first few chapters were great. After that I couldn't wait to be done.

[Paige Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautiful. It is beautifully written, beautiful in its profoundness, beautiful in its simplicity. I absolutely love the story Robert tells about the practice of the daily office and joining together with Christ and all the saints in offering up constant prayer and worship to the creator. I would recommend this book wholeheartedly to anyone looking to grow in their personal prayer life.

Favorite Quote: “You do not become a person of prayer and then begin to pray. It is the other way around. If you say enough prayers, you may yet become a person of prayer. But you will not become one if you do not pray. One of the things that will happen if I say the office is this: it can trick me into becoming a person of prayer.”

[Douglas · Rating 1 out of 5]

Robert Benson is writing about the importance of the daily office of prayer for himself and other Christians. He writes about obstacles he has faced to his daily prayer habit and his pride in sticking with this spiritual discipline. What he had to say could have been summed up in a magazine or journal article. This book is wordy, poorly organized and badly written. He also tries and fails at being humorous. Frequently he reminds readers he is a college dropout who is a professional writer. His numerous books testify that he writes for a living. His writing style reflects the work of someone who did not finish his bachelors degree in English. Someone who is interested in daily prayer can pick up one of the many prayer book resources available and skip this book.

[Kerr Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an avid reader, I approached In Constant Prayer with anticipation, hoping to glean fresh insight into the beauty and rhythm of prayer. While I did find a few meaningful reflections—such as the importance of anchoring one’s day in fixed-hour prayer and the reminder that prayer is often more about shaping us than changing our circumstances—I found the book to be quite repetitive. Much of it felt like a restating of the same central idea, wrapped in different wording, which made certain chapters feel padded rather than profound. That said, Benson’s invitation to step into the ancient practice of the daily office did stir my appreciation for the sacredness of structure in our communion with God. A worthwhile concept, though I found myself wishing for more substance and less repetition.

[David S Harvey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very readable, but not as practical as expected.

I really enjoyed this book, but it wasn’t as helpful as the title and series led me to expect.

Having read the Chittister volume on the Liturgical Year, I anticipated a good practical guide to engaging with ancient prayer practices. That isn’t what this book is.

However, while I feel it doesn’t entirely fit the series by not really explaining how to pray in the ancient way, this book is a lovely autobiographical encouragement on the value of praying like this. As such the book is enjoyable, I just wonder if it’s not quite the right book for this subject in this series.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite simply, this is one of the most inspiring, poetic, complete look at prayer (specifically the daily offices) that I have encountered. It remains light-hearted and down-to-earth without sounding foolish or simplistic or easy. Robert Benson comes off as an ordinary person, but his view of prayer is far from easy to hear. The book shifts from beautiful poetic imagery to funny stories to deep theological implications to practical application with incredible ease.

[Derek · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple introduction to the practice of the Daily Office. Benson bases his experience on the offices used in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer but his insights would helpful for any one who uses a daily cycle. What is particularly interesting is his examples of how sustained "fixed hour prayer" as it's called these days can bleed into impromptu and thoughtful prayer outside our Office of choice. I'd definitely recommend for anyone first starting out in this form of prayer.

[AngelaGay Kinkead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robert Benson’s writing style is so natural. To read his book is to hear him speak or teach. This book is written to encourage the reader to take the risk of praying the hours, a contemporary approach to a divine and ancient spiritual practice. I have observed this practice in the past, but set it aside for the many reasons and excuses that Benson shares. in my retirement, I’m drawn back to the discipline.

[Matthew Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a great read. I’ve only read a few books explicitly on prayer and I have to say that this one is my favorite so far. It really pushes for readers to try the Daily Office which is not something I’ve ever done before, but I have to say that after reading this, I feel motivated to try it. Benson comes from a tradition much different than my own, but what he shared in this book was incredibly helpful and meaningful to me.

[Bernardine W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the wit and charm presented here and the challenge to just pray! I am more of a Pentecostal ~ praying in tongues kinda person, but I absolutely loved the exhortation to engage in prayer during fixed hours with a company of saints who are all engaged together! I’m going to do it!!!

[Brynne Saxon · Rating 2 out of 5]

In my opinion, this book was slightly below average. 🫠I did not find it exciting to read and couldn’t wait to get to the end. 🫢I wish there would’ve been more practical applications mentioned that could be put into practice.

[Myra Benedict · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book ! I personally enjoyed each page good introduction to prayer and the meaning of it.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book. Stories that inspire to pray in truth and in spirit and tells the real meaning of prayer. Very encouraging an impressive!

[Jon Anderson]

Whimsical plea for praying the Daily Office

[Julia Veltman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t wait to take up Daily Office. Great read that left me feeling inspired!